Earlier this week, we learned that Judas Priest would not become a part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2018 class. Metalheads around the world were understandably disappointed by the decision, as was vocalist Rob Halford, who shared his rejection letter from the Rock Hall on the air during a radio interview.

Out of this year’s nominees, Bon Jovi, Dire Straits, The Moody Blues, The Cars and Nina Simone gained passage into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, while Judas Priest, Rage Against the Machine, The MC5 and Radiohead didn’t make the cut.

While talking with Mark & Neanderpaul on 100.7 KSLX in Phoenix, Ariz., Halford talked about learning of Priest’s Rock Hall denial the day before it was officially announced. He followed up by reading the rejection email sent to him, which stated:

Thank you for embracing your nomination for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While you didn’t garner enough votes for induction this year, you were part of a very select group of Hall of Fame nominees. Artists are frequently on the ballot multiple times before they are inducted. For example, Black Sabbath were nominated eight times before their induction, Patti Smith seven times, Solomon Burke nine times, and both the Beastie Boys and The Yardbirds were on the ballot three times before their respective inductions.

If you are touring or simply traveling nearby, please visit our museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Our six floors of exhibitions tell the remarkable history of rock and roll and how it changed the world. You’re part of that story and we’d love to share it with you. Again, congratulations on your nomination.

My best,

Greg Harris, President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

When asked if a Rock Hall induction truly means anything to Halford, the Metal God responded, “Personally, I would love it, yeah. I’ve said before, we deserve it. We’ve put our 10,000 hours in and more. Beyond that, we just feel that heavy metal music deserves more space on shelves at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

Halford added, “We were thrilled and honored to be even nominated, so it’s kind of bittersweet. We got the nomination, which is something of a recognition for the work that you’ve done, but we didn’t quite get in this time, but I’m hopeful that eventually we’ll get some more metal.”

Judas Priest will release their 18th studio album, Firepower, in early 2018. The Metal Gods will be touring North America beginning March 13 in Wilkes Barre, Pa., so click here to see the full run of dates.